Fresh Start 2025 at your Libraries 

Refresh your skills, try something new and secure your space in our latest workshops.

There is a wide range of Libraries events, services and resources to make sure you get a fantastic Fresh Start this semester to 2025.

What’s new?

Supersizing 24 hours at Eddy B

From 27 January, Edward Boyle will replace the Laidlaw as the 24-hour library. Not only is Eddy B more central to campus, it also has lots more study space, as well as the dedicated research hub for postgraduates and Masters students on Level 13.

Fans of Laidlaw don’t have to worry. This site will be open from 8am–midnight during the week and 10am–midnight at the weekend, meaning you’ll still have plenty of time to get to work in your favourite space.

Check out our locations and hours page for more information about our buildings, facilities and opening hours.

Smooth online access with Lean Library

Finding the full text of articles is easier than ever with our new browser extension Lean Library. Download it onto your laptop and use your University login details for simpler access to library-subscribed resources as you research online. It can also help with referencing and building bibliographies as it incorporates the Leeds Harvard referencing style.

Fresh start, fresh skills – events and giveaways

Come along for a chat and a hot drink with our learning advisors about how you may benefit from our maths and stats support, the Library Makerspace and improving your digital skills. There’ll also be giveaways so don’t miss out!

Where: Ground floor of the Laidlaw Library
When: 30 January between 11am–1pm.

Speaking of digital skills, we will also be at the Digital Education Services Fresh Start stall in the LUU on the same day. Tell us in person about what digital support you want to see and what elements of digital identity and well-being most interest you, and you could be in with a chance to win some goodies. And swing by stall 8 to meet our fantastic Customer Services team, who can tell you anything you need to know about the Libraries.

Workshops, events and support

The Writing Space on the ground floor of the Laidlaw Library is open from 27 January to help you with all your writing needs. All taught students are welcome, there is no need to book, just come along and get writing! It’s open weekday afternoons 1–4pm during teaching weeks.

And if you want to get creative or crafty while picking up some technical know-how, head over to the Library Makerspace on level 7 of the Edward Boyle Library. Book a Makerspace induction to get started with all the amazing tech available in the space.

Two Makerspace sessions running in Fresh Start week:

• Resin 3D Printing Workshop
  Wednesday 29 January
  10:30am–12:15pm
  For users who have already completed a general induction, this session covers a range of 3D printing aspects and contributes to your digital capabilities development.
• Repair Café
  Thursday 30 January
  1–4pm
  Bring along your broken clothes, tech and appliances and we will help you to fix them and give them new life.

Our academic and digital skills workshops are also back. Check out the workshop booking page to get an overview of the wide range of offers that will help you take your skills and knowledge to the next level.

We also post daily workshop reminders on Instagram and send out a regular workshop newsletter so you will never miss your chance to join these essential sessions.

The Galleries

The Galleries have a range of free, drop-in session events and exhibitions to help inspire and fuel your creativity. Be sure to check out the Galleries’ event page for a full rundown of everything to do and see. Here are some of the highlights coming up.

• Suncatcher Workshop
  Tuesday 28 January
  11am–3pm
  Inspired by Boris Maas’ exhibition ‘You have seen nothing yet’, our Galleries Intern Lina will guide you through crafting your very own suncatcher in this drop-in workshop.
• All day Write on
  Wednesday 29 January
  10am–5pm
  A bumper edition of our Write on Wednesday! A self-led, creative writing wellbeing fix. Pull up a stool, grab a prompt and explore our collections in a way you have never done before.
• Museum & Mocktails
  Thursday 30 January
  5:30–7:30pm
  Curious about our incredible collections? Tempted by a tasty mocktail? This session is exclusively for students to meet like-minded people and explore our outstanding collections in an informal event.
• All day Sketch Club
  Friday 31 January
  10am–5pm
  Artists of all skill levels are welcome to drop in anytime and indulge their creativity in a calm, welcoming and inspiring atmosphere, and have a chat with fellow art appreciators.

While you’re in our Galleries, take the chance to look at some of the fascinating exhibitions currently running.

Refresh your skills with key resources

Whatever stage you’re at in your university journey, we have an online resource for you to get a Fresh Start with your academic skills.

• First year
  Get off to a Flying Start! Find out about the skills you need at university and how it differs from what you’ve done before.
• Second year
  Step up to second year. Build on the skills you developed in first year and get to grips with the study techniques for Second Year Success.
• Third year
  Tackle your final year project or dissertation. Our comprehensive guide takes you through all the stages of your Final Chapter at university.
• Masters
  Step up to Masters and equip yourself with the academic skills you need to progress to the postgraduate level.

It’s time to make the most of your second semester. So, what are you waiting for? Get a Fresh Start in your Libraries!